ONE of the highlights of Brunei is the opportunity to explore the rain forests of Borneo, renowned for their beauty and home to so many varieties of wild life, it’s almost overwhelming. The density of the forests combined with the wide clear waters of the rivers make for an enticing day out and as we prepared for our rainforest experience, I was excited, if not a little apprehensive, of the day ahead.
Our tour started with a boat taxi from the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Bagawan and was a relaxing 45 minute journey that allowed us to take in the scenery of the river banks. We arrived at the port of Bangar and from there took a short drive to Sumbiling Eco Village in the Temburong District. Visitors can select packages based on their own preferences; our chosen excursion, the Rainforest Discovery, is described as easy trekking though hilly undulating terrain.
The Sumbiling Eco Village was set up in 2007 to promote awareness and cultivate sustainability. Of particular interest is the fact that the project is a joint venture with the Ibans of Kampung Sumbiling Lama. The Ibans were most renowned for their practice of headhunting and while this custom has faded out, many other cultural practices still continue. For example, during our day trip, we visited one of the traditional Iban ‘longhouses’, noted for their ability to house multiple families and designed with a communal corridor that links rooms together.
Upon arrival at the Eco Village, we were shown the open air reception area where guests can change their shoes (the Eco Village offers rubber shoes if visitors require) as well as having a quick tour of the accommodation available for those looking to extend their exploration beyond a day trip. Sleeping options ranged from tents to basic rooms equipped with a fan, mattress and a light.
Crossing the river in traditional river boats to start our trek, we were led single file through the thick lush rainforest. The sheer density makes it difficult in some areas to follow the path, but our experienced guide led the way, stopping every so often to explain the various uses of plants, which were integrated into daily life to provide anything from food to medicine. It was an amazing feeling to be surrounded by so much natural wildlife and reassuring to know that such conservation projects are being developed to protect the environment and highlight the benefits of a lifestyle that incorporates social responsibility. The community of the Eco Village share the same ecological and social values and focus on a sustainable lifestyle such as recycling and the usage of natural resources such as rainwater.
At lunchtime, we set up a cooking camp at a small clearing in the forest and we helped prepare lunch which consisted of chicken, cabbage and rice cooked in the hollow cylinders of bamboo from the forest. Our plates were made from large leaves and even the tooth picks were carved from the surrounding wood!
For the remainder of the afternoon, we trekked back to the reception area before having a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the river. Trekking in the rainforests of Borneo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must for anyone looking to interact with nature at its most basic level. The Rainforest Discovery Tour at Sumbiling Eco Village makes it easy for guests to explore and is an interesting and informative way to discover one of the earth’s most beautiful destinations.
By Karen Osman